Maximizing Your Car's Reliability Potential

Consumer reports just released the results of their annual automotive report card and the result is overwhelmingly clear - Japanese auto makers still top the list for most reliable cars in both new and used models.

The hidden message in the Consumer Reports data is that import models have the highest reliability "potential". However, in order to achieve its potential the vehicle must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended service schedule.

Achieving the reliability potential for any car requires car owners to take simple steps.

Consider that Consumer Reports compiles their data from the paid subscribers of their magazine. By the nature of this data collection method, paid subscribers to Consumer Reports are generally people who pay attention to their purchases and are willing to sit down and fill out a long survey on their car.

Flashing back to reality, most of us barely have time to stop and put gas in our car on the way to work, and if it weren't for the little sticky plastic on the windshield we couldn't remember exactly when we last put oil in the car.

So while Consumer Reports subscribers found that many three-year old import cars had higher reliability than some brand new domestic and German models the rest of us will not see that kind of reliability if we don't follow the manufacturer's service schedule.

With that in mind here is the short list of actions to achieve your car's reliability potential AND SAVE MONEY:

1. Find an independent mechanic that uses original equipment manufacturer (OEM) service scheduling - I recommend a shop that uses Alldata.


2. Ask the service manager for email or phone notifications when you are due for service.


3. Use an automatic bank transfer to move $25 per paycheck into a separate savings account for auto maintenance.

With these three things copied into your "To-Do" list for the week let me explain how they will save you money this year.

First, an independent mechanic is almost always going to be less expensive than a dealer or chain store mechanic (i.e. Pep Boys, Goodyear Service Center, Wal-Mart Service Center, etc). Independent mechanics, dealer mechanics and chain store mechanics are certified by the same national board systems like ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). So you can find mechanics trained and certified at the same level as any "technician" at a dealership, but usually at a lower hourly rate because the independent doesn't have as many overhead expenses. Next, your independent mechanic needs to use an OEM service guide.

Years ago, the big manufacturers needed to find ways to predict the cost of warranty service so they built standard labor guides for replacing every part on a car. This OEM data on repair times and procedures also comes with the manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule you need to achieve your reliability potential. There are a few systems out there used by independent mechanics, AllData is direct OEM data and my preferred source. However, the Mitchell Guide is also another reliable source available to independent mechanics.

Now for the second list item. It is too easy to lose track of time and find excuses to not get your auto service done. The little window sticky from the quicky lube place that changed your oil is not tied to your manufacturers service schedule. Your car may require belts, filters, sensors and occasional internal components to be replaced. So have your independent mechanic give you a call or shoot you an email describing exactly what service your car needs and when it works best in both of your schedules to get it done.

Finally, the whole point of working to achieve long-term reliability from your car is to save money. The last thing you want to do is pay for your car's maintenance on a credit card and accrue debt. Your car is going to last a long time. $25 per paycheck tucked away in a separate savings account will add up to pay for all your required maintenance and save you thousands over the long run when your car lasts years longer than it otherwise would have.

Remember, the reliability potential for cars, especially Japanese imports, is getting better every year, but achieving a car's reliability potential requires action on your part. Follow the three steps above to avoid the headache and danger of highway breakdowns while saving money at the same time.